These machines being tinkered with and heavily modified happens almost exclusevely in urban areas where good public transportation already exists.

Every article I’ve read usually boils down to thrills, a hollow sense of being against the system or just disrespect for the place because tourist.

Even giving all the wiggle room for bad reporting, it feels something is very wrong with this particular mode of transportation, in that setting.

I live in a rural area, with essentially no public transportation, and these alternatives have been growing in popularity with no issues. Even the older folks get intrigued and often strike up conversations with the people using it.